Nonprescription medications for the treatment of pelvic pain

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
and naproxen, reduce menstrual cramps and relieve pain by reducing swelling
(inflammation) and lowering the level of the hormone prostaglandin within the
uterus.

Start taking the recommended dose of pain
medication as soon as your discomfort begins or one day before your menstrual
period is scheduled to start.

Take the medication in regularly
scheduled doses to keep the pain under control. Pain medication is more
effective if you take it at regularly scheduled intervals around the clock. You
may wish to take your pain medication in the morning, at lunch, before dinner,
and when you go to bed. Taking the medication only when your pain is “really
bad” is not an effective method for pain control.

Try
acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, if NSAIDs do not relieve your pain.

Before you take any nonprescription medications for the first
time, be sure to carefully read the information on the package. It is important
to understand how much of the medication you should take and when you should
take it, as well as reasons not to take the medication. As with all
medications:

Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.

If you have been told to avoid these
medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), call your health
professional before taking them.

If you are or could be pregnant,
call your health professional before using any medication.

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